Sensor array mounted on flexible carrier

Abstract

A sensor apparatus is disclosed herein. The sensor apparatus includes a flexible carrier that is elongated along a length of the carrier. The sensor apparatus also includes a plurality of analysis zones carried by the carrier. The analysis zones are spaced-apart from one another along the length of the carrier. The sensor apparatus further includes first and second spaced-apart electrodes carried by the flexible carrier. The first and second electrodes have lengths that extend along the length of the carrier. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes analyte sensing chemistry. The first and second electrodes extending across and contact the plurality of analysis zones.

1 . A sensor apparatus comprising:
 a flexible carrier that is elongated along a length of the carrier;   a plurality of analysis zones carried by the carrier, the analysis zones being spaced-apart from one another along the length of the carrier; and   first and second spaced-apart electrodes carried by the flexible carrier, the first and second electrodes having lengths that extend along the length of the carrier, at least one of the first and second electrodes including analyte sensing chemistry, the first and second electrodes extending across and contacting the plurality of analysis zones.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of analysis zones are formed by recesses in the flexible carrier, the recesses being positioned below the first and second electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the recesses extend across a width of the carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of analysis zones include capillary flow enhancing structures positioned within the recesses for encouraging capillary flow across the width of the carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising punch holes defined through the carrier at a location between the analysis zones, wherein the electrodes extend across the punch holes. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the carrier includes a side surface defining indentations at each of the analysis zones. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier defines grooves in which the first and second electrodes are mounted. 
     
     
         8 . A method for using the sensor apparatus of  claim 1 , the method comprising:
 wetting a first analysis zone of the plurality of analysis zones with a first volume of sample fluid;   taking a first reading at the first analysis zone by applying a first voltage across the wetted first analysis zone and between the first and second electrodes;   wetting a second analysis zone of the plurality of analysis zones with a second volume of the sample fluid;   taking a second reading at the second analysis zone by applying a second voltage across the wetted second analysis zone and between the first and second electrodes;   preventing a voltage from being applied across the first wetted analysis zone when the second reading is being taken at the wetted second analysis zone by severing at least one of the first and second electrodes at a location between the wetted first analysis zone and the wetted second analysis zone.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the analysis zones are non-conductive until the analysis zones are wetted.